As North India remained under an intense cold spell, Delhi recorded its coldest December day in six years, prompting weather warnings and travel disruptions.
BY PC Bureau
January 1, 2026: As India ushered in the New Year, much of North India remained under the grip of an intense cold wave, with Delhi recording one of its coldest starts to a year in recent times. The national capital shivered through the transition from 2025 to 2026 after logging its coldest December day in six years, while fresh snowfall in the higher reaches of Kashmir transformed the valley into a winter spectacle.
On December 31, 2025, Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of just 14.2°C, more than 6°C below normal, making it the coldest December day since 2019. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified the day as a “cold day”, attributing the sharp dip to persistent north-westerly winds carrying icy air from the Himalayas.
The chill extended into New Year’s Day, with dense fog enveloping the Delhi-NCR region, severely reducing visibility and disrupting road, rail, and air travel. Air quality also deteriorated to the ‘very poor’ category, compounding health concerns amid the biting cold. Minimum temperatures hovered between 6°C and 7°C, with forecasts warning of a further drop in the coming days.
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Snowfall Transforms Kashmir
In contrast to the dry cold in the plains, the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, including tourist hotspots such as Gulmarg and Sonamarg, received fresh snowfall due to an active Western Disturbance. While the snowfall brought cheer to tourists hoping for a white New Year, it also caused temporary disruptions to road connectivity in some areas.
The IMD has forecast light to moderate snowfall to continue into early January, with heavy snowfall possible in isolated locations. The fresh snow has boosted expectations for the winter tourism season and is expected to help replenish water sources ahead of spring.
Rain Likely in Delhi and Plains
Adding to the wintry conditions, the IMD has predicted light rain or thunderstorms over Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Uttar Pradesh on January 1 and 2. An induced cyclonic circulation over Punjab and adjoining regions is likely to trigger these showers, potentially marking Delhi’s first rainfall of the winter season.
While the rain may offer brief relief from fog and pollution, it could intensify the cold, with minimum temperatures expected to dip below 5°C in the coming week.
🌧️ Cold New Year: Rain & Dense Fog Alert for North India & Punjab
Welcome to 2026! 🌬️ North India is starting the year with a sharp winter chill. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for several regions today.
What to expect in Punjab and North… pic.twitter.com/1VbchSG2rK— 5aab4ever (@5aab4ever) January 1, 2026
Cold Wave Spreads Across North India
Cold wave conditions also prevailed across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, accompanied by dense to very dense fog. Authorities have urged caution, especially for travelers, as flight delays were reported at major airports, including Delhi.
Meteorologists attribute the prolonged cold spell partly to La Niña conditions, which have strengthened northerly winds and increased the frequency of Western Disturbances this season.
As North India braces for more wintry days ahead, residents are relying on extra layers, bonfires, and hot beverages to welcome 2026 amid the lingering freeze.
Temperature Snapshot Across Major North Indian Cities
Approximate ranges during the cold wave and New Year conditions, based on recent IMD forecasts and observations:
| City | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Notes |
| Delhi | ~9–11°C | ~14–16°C | Cold-day conditions with dense fog; light rain possible on New Year’s Day |
| Chandigarh | ~8–10°C | ~12–15°C | Dense fog and persistent cold wave conditions |
| Jaipur | ~10–12°C | ~18–20°C | Cooler-than-normal temperatures typical of a winter cold wave |
| Lucknow | ~10–12°C | ~15–16°C | Foggy and cold mornings with slightly milder daytime conditions |
| Kanpur (UP) | ~4–6°C | ~10–12°C | Among the lowest minimum temperatures recorded in Uttar Pradesh |
Key weather patterns influencing temperatures:
- Cold wave and “cold day” conditions continue across Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Bihar, keeping minimum temperatures well below seasonal norms and leading to dense fog in many areas.
- Fog and elevated pollution levels are intensifying the perception of cold, especially during early mornings and late nights.
- Active western disturbances are bringing moisture into the region, resulting in light rain in parts of the plains and snowfall in hill areas, which may slightly influence daytime temperatures.
